Cultural Heritage, Cities and Sustainable Urban Development: A Case Study of Assam Type Houses in Guwahati

By : Madhuri Saikia

Page No: 137-149

Abstract
Cultural heritage are the pride of every nation, every people and they are non-renewable resources having outstanding universal value. They belong to the world and today they are an integral part of the urbanised cities. Many of the cultural heritage sites are facing serious threats from climate change leading to irreparable damage because they are old and fragile. Cultural heritage resources are identity markers and they are central to the development of a city and its future growth. Culture is an essential component of a safe, resilient and sustainable urban settlement which is desired by all.
    Taking examples from the Assam Type houses spread across Uzanbazar and Panbazar areas of Guwahati in Assam in India, which are considered to be the heart of the city, the paper attempts to study about the creation of urban resilience from cultural heritage and traditional knowledge point of view. The Assam Type houses which came into existence from 1897 after the Great Assam Earthquake are considered to be identity markers of the state of Assam. Materials found in the midst of nature are used to build these houses. Besides being elegant, these Assam Type houses are light in weight and have been designed in such a way so that they can withstand the tremor in case of an earthquake as Assam is situated in a seismically sensitive area. These houses are no longer built now a days. Guwahati is a growing metropolis today with steel and glass houses which has changed the look of the landscape. However, it is felt that for those Assam Type houses which continue to exist, their preservation amidst the global vertical and horizontal growth of the city is essential for the promotion of cultural expression and ensuring liveability in the cities besides giving cities a vibrant life.

Author:
Madhuri Saikia: Associate Professor, Department of History, Dakshin Kamrup College, Mirza, Assam
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/SEAR.2024.49.9